The versatile bass guitar great returns to his alma mater, UC San Diego, for Saturday homecoming concert with two of his key mentors

The title of Daft Punk’s chart-topping international hit, “Get Lucky,” partly describes East, whose past musical partners range from Aretha Franklin, George Harrison and Herbie Hancock to B.B. King. Beyoncé and Joe Satriani. But his skill, versatility and dedication are the key reasons his career continues to thrive — and why he only now found time to record the solo album he first planned 20 years ago.

“I love my life as it is,” East noted. “So if this album adds another dimension, I hope I can handle it!”

The personable bassist is especially excited about his return to UC San Diego this weekend, where he will perform with two of his former teachers, pianist Cecil Lytle and bass great Bert Turetzky, both longtime mentors. Saturday's concert will also feature a triple bass showcase number by East, Turetzky and fellow bass great Mark Dresser, who now teaches at UC San Diego and studied there at the same time as East in the 1970s.

"I didn't really know Nathan at UCSD, but our paths crossed many times in San Diego as gigging musicians," Dresser recalled.

"He's an electric bass god! What else can you say? He's always been a terrific musician, always had a great sound, great skills, great imagination and great feel, and everyone always wanted to play with him. The fact that he's continued to do so well is no surprise."

For East, Saturday's concert will bring him full circle and face-to-face with two of his biggest role models.

“The wisdom and guidance Cecil and Bert gave me is something I use every day of my life,” he said.

"I think what Cecil imparted to me, since he was so accomplished when I met him, is the fact that hard work is the only way and that there are no shortcuts. And I saw that in his work ethic and bedside manner. It was pretty much the same with Bert. Both of them were professors I can go back to and call with any questions throughout my career, and I have. When Bert pulled me aside, and said, 'I think it's time for you to move to Los Angeles and make money like as a musician, like we've talked about,' that was some really good advice for a guy who thought he was going to be working on his Masters Degree in music for the next few years.